FRENCH police have shot a man in central Marseille after he began stabbing bystanders, according to local media reports.

At least four people were injured in the horrific attack as the suspect began knifing people in the Canebière area of the city, French news site actu17 reports. Police rushed to the scene at around 3.45pm GMT (4.45pm local time) and shot the man dead after he drew a gun and pointed it at officers, according to a police source. One of the victims is said to be in a serious condition after being knifed in the neck.

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Two victims were attacked on a tram while two more were stabbed in the street.

The motive for the attack was not immediately clear but French media reports suggest the stabbing was not terror-related.

According to the La Provence newspaper, the suspect is a 36-year-old homeless man known to local police but not to counter-terror officers.

Police fired on the suspect after he pulled a gun while attempted to flee.

Marseille attack: A man has stabbed four people in the city centre (Image: AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Marseille attack: At least four people have reportedly been injured (Image: @Mars1300)

Two victims were attacked on a tram while two more were stabbed in the street (Image: AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

He was reportedly declared dead at the scene after being seriously injured in the shooting.

A security cordon is in place and national police are urging residents to avoid the area.

Martine Vassal, head of the regional government which covers Marseille, urged residents to remain vigilant after today’s attack.

She said in a Facebook post: “I am shocked by the knife attack perpetrated on the Canebiere. I give my full support to victims and salute the professionalism of staff of the Brigade Anti-Crime Marseille have most likely prevented an even greater tragedy.

:I remain very attentive to the consequences of the investigations and do not forget that all the Marseillais are still traumatised by the double murder of the station Saint-Charles on October 1st, 2017, which was in connection with a terrorist enterprise.